Sound absorbing game paddle

ABSTRACT

A sound absorbing game paddle containing a blade having a support structure and a filling. The support structure preferably defines adjoining cells of various shapes, including for example hexagonal and non-hexagonal cells. The filling preferably comprises one or more of a foam, a gel, a silicone or other polymer, and can fill some or all of the cells at any desired volume(s). Contemplated methods include a manufacturer building a version of a game paddle without a filling, and subsequently building another version of the same or similar paddle with a filling. Further contemplated methods include developing an improved game paddle with altered sound emissions by determining that an existing game paddle has undesirable peak amplitudes and frequencies of sounds emitted, and then designing an improved game paddle with a sound absorbing filling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is game paddles.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In recent years, the sport of pickleball has risen in popularity worldwide. The sport is typically played in residential communities, country clubs, and sports clubs on modified tennis courts. However, due to the current composition and design of pickleball paddles, the sound of the pickleball striking the pickleball paddle is quite loud. Where other racquet and paddle sports involve either paddles with strings or softer balls, pickleball combines both (a) a paddle without strings and (b) a hard, hollow, perforated, plastic ball. This combination creates a loud “thwacking” noise upon impact. Furthermore, this noise is amplified by the modified tennis court, which also disturbs those residing in the surrounding community. With the significant growth in the number of places to play, this noise problem has led to resident complaints, halting of new pickleball court construction, ceasing of game play, and even filing of nuisance lawsuits.

Although sound reduction has been implemented in manufacture of many different types of objects, including for example, home and industrial wall insulation, aircraft, boat hulls, there don't seem to be any analogous application of similar technologies for game paddles of any type. Perhaps this is because those skilled in the art would consider modifications to negatively impact game play.

Others have attempted to solve this problem using various noise-abatement options, such as fencing or landscape noise barriers, and construction of courts farther away from homes and others who may be disturbed. For example, a company named Acoustiblok designed a sound-absorbing material, Acoustifence®, that can be applied to fences that surround pickleball courts. (http://info.acoustiblok.com/acoustiblok-products/acoustifence/) The Acoustifence® product is described on their website as “a heavy mineral filled, barium free visco elastic acoustical material” that can reduce noise around a pickleball court by 10-12 decibels, which represents a 50% reduction in sound as perceived by the human ear. (http://info.acoustiblok.com/blog/bid/82224/Pickleball-Racket-Needs-a-Soundproofing-Solution-to-Calm-Neighbors) However, because acoustical fencing typically has a broad face, it has difficulty withstanding high winds and other weather conditions, which can reduce its usefulness as a sustainable noise abatement solution. Further, the economic burden of acoustical fencing must be borne by whole communities or associations, rather than the pickleball players.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an effective, sustainable noise abatement solution that can be applied in communities and clubs that host pickleball activities, with the cost largely borne by the players themselves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for reducing emitted sound when a game paddle strikes a ball during play, by incorporating within the core of a game paddle (a) a honeycomb or other support structure, and (b) a filling within the support structure. In a preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, the game paddle comprises a blade with two opposing surfaces bounded by an edge, where the support structure and filling are disposed between the two opposing surfaces.

The core is defined herein to mean a preferred striking area of the paddle, which, in various embodiments, is distanced from the edge by 1 cm to 4 cm, and more particularly, at least 1 cm, at least 1.5 cm, 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, and 4 cm. Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

In other aspects of preferred embodiments, the wall portions of the support structure form either adjoining or non-adjoining cells. Further, the thickness of the support structure is determined by the height and configuration of the wall portions. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the support structure can be between 0.25 cm and 5 cm.

In further preferred embodiments, the filling comprises at least one type of sound-absorbing material, which can be an open- or closed-cell foam, gel, silicone, aramid polymer, polyurethane, natural or synthetic rubber, or any other material. The filling preferably occupies between 5% and 100% of the available volume of space within the support structure, more preferably between 25% and 100% of the available volume, and even more preferably between 80% and 100% of the available volume.

The present invention further provides methods for manufacturing game paddles, with and without noise dampening structures and fillings. In a preferred embodiment, a manufacturer builds a version of a game paddle without a filling, and subsequently builds another version of the same or similar paddle with a filling.

The present invention further provides methods for developing an improved game paddle with altered sound emissions. In a preferred embodiment, it is determined that an existing game paddle has undesirable peak amplitudes and frequencies of sounds emitted, and then an improved game paddle is designed with a sound absorbing filling. The improved game paddle preferably reduces peak sound amplitude for at least one frequency by at least 1 dB, at least 5 dB, at least 10 db, and more preferably by at least 20 dB.

One should appreciate that the disclosed subject matter provides many advantages, including sound absorption and reduction, without significantly reducing or otherwise detracting from desirable play characteristics of the paddles. In particular, the inventive subject matter reduces sound volume and lowers the frequency or pitch when a ball strikes the paddle. In other contemplated advantages, different combinations of support structure and filling can also provide players with options for selection of paddle playing characteristics, including for example, rigidity, size of sweet spot, and so forth.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game paddle.

FIG. 2A is a perspective cutaway view of a hexagonal support structure.

FIG. 2B is a perspective cutaway view of a triangular, non-hexagonal support structure.

FIG. 2C is a perspective cutaway view of a rectangular, non-hexagonal support structure.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a two-cell support structure.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of a three-cell support structure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view a non-adjoining-cell support structure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two layers of support structure with different thicknesses.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of multiple layers of support structure orthogonally positioned with respect to each other.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a filling disposed within all cells of the support structure.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a filling disposed within some of the cells of the support structure.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a filling disposed at varying volumes within the cells of the support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In FIG. 1, a paddle 100 has a blade 101 with two opposing surfaces 102 and 103 (not visible) and a core 105 (area bounded by dotted line), which is disposed between opposing surfaces 102 and 103. Paddle 100 is bounded by an edge 104. “Disposed between” means that a first element is placed between a second and third element, but the first element is not required to make direct contact with either of the second or third elements. For example, core 105 is disposed between the two opposing surfaces 102 and 103, but core 105 is not required to directly contact either surface 102 or 103. Also, for example, core 105 could be 1 mm-2 mm, or any commercially practicable distance, from either or both of the surfaces 102 and 103. Alternatively, multiple layers can be disposed between either surface 102 and 103 and core 105.

In a preferred embodiment, paddle 100 is a pickleball paddle. Pickleball paddles typically have a rectangular blade with rounded corners, and are about 20 cm wide by 40 cm long. Furthermore, the blade surfaces can have a surface area between 740 cm² and 840 cm².

At least a portion of core 105 is distanced from the edge 104 by distance a. Distance a is preferably between 1 cm and 4 cm, and more particularly at least 1 cm, at least 1.5 cm, 2 cm, at least 2.5 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, and 4 cm.

In some embodiments, the numeric parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numeric parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. The numeric values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Core 105 contains a support structure 106. FIGS. 2A-E and 3 show various cell configurations. These configurations can define adjoining cells or no cells at all. A support structure 106 comprising adjoining cells can be hexagonal or non-hexagonal cells. In FIG. 2A, the cells are a hexagonal shape and form a honeycomb structure. In FIG. 2B, the cells are a triangular, non-hexagonal shape. In FIG. 2C, the cells are a rectangular, non-hexagonal shape. It is also contemplated that the support structure 106 could form any other shape that creates adjoining cells. For example, in FIG. 2D, the support structure 106 forms two adjoining cells 210 and 220 by placement of wall 200. In another example, in FIG. 2E, the support structure 106 forms three adjoining cells 230, 240, and 250 by placement of walls 201, 202, and 203. Alternatively, in FIG. 3, support structure 106 does not form any adjoining cells. Support structure 106 can also form adjoining cells between which there is fluid connectivity. These various cell configurations create different levels of rigidity, which is desirable because each level of rigidity creates a different effect on the ball.

FIG. 4 shows multiple layers of support structure. Layers 401 and 402 are disposed between surfaces 102 and 103. It is contemplated that additional layers of support structure can be disposed between the surfaces 102 and 103. Layering provides additional strength to the support structure, which is advantageous because it allows for increased power when striking a ball. It is also contemplated that layer 401 can be of a different thickness than layer 402. For example, layer 401 can be of thickness β and layer 402 can be of thickness γ. Thicknesses β and γ are preferably between 0.25 cm and 5 cm. It is further contemplated that layers 401 and 402 can comprise different support structure configurations. For example, layer 401 can comprise a honeycomb structure, and layer 402 can comprise a triangular, non-hexagonal structure.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of multiple layers of support structure in which the multiple layers are oriented at a different angle δ with respect to each other. Angle δ can be between 5° and 175°, or any commercially practicable angle. For example, layers 501 and 502 can be orthogonally positioned with respect to each other. It is further contemplated that a non-support structure layer could also be disposed between surfaces 102 and 103. This non-support structure layer could be disposed between support structure layers, woven through support structure layers, or any other commercially practicable configuration. An additional layer of material provides an added barrier for sound absorption, and further adds to the strength of the overall support structure.

Support structure 106 can comprise any suitable material or materials, including for example, aluminum, graphite, composite, wood, polymer. In a preferred embodiment, support structure 106 comprises Nomex®, which is an aramid polymer with an aromatic backbone. Contemplated support structures can also have multiple layers, each of which can comprise a different material. The combination of different support structure materials layered against each other provides greater variation in the overall rigidity, strength, and absorption of force of the overall support structure, such that the use of pickleball paddles with different support structure materials produce different desired effects on a pickleball.

FIGS. 6A-C show a filling 601 disposed within the support structure cells. It is contemplated that filling 601 can fill any number of the cells. For example, FIG. 6A shows filling 601 in each of the support structure cells. FIG. 6B shows filling 601 in only some of the cells. It is further contemplated that filling 601 can fill a range of volumes within the cells, and need not fill the entire cell. For example, FIG. 6C shows filling 601 in cell 610 at volume x, and filling 601 in cell 620 at volume y, where volumes x and y are different. It is also contemplated that filling 601 can coat some or all of the support structure's cell walls. The range of volumes that the filling may occupy within the cells and on the support structure provides variation in sound absorption to create varying levels of sound that can be measured in decibels (i.e., sound volume), as well as variation in the types of sounds produced, reducing the abrasive “thwacking” sound (i.e., sound frequency or pitch).

As described above, the inventive subject matter aims to reduce noise created by pickleball paddles. Noise reduction can involve one or more of three different effects: absorption, reflection, and diffusion, which occur when sound waves strike a noise reducing surface. Absorption acts to reduce sound when sound waves are converted into heat, as for example when the waves are captured by the cells of a foam. Reflection reduces sound when multiple surfaces create a volume of space that traps sound waves. Diffusion reduces sound when sound waves make contact with an irregular surface that scatters the sound waves.

In preferred embodiments, filling 601 absorbs the sound created when a pickleball is struck by a paddle. Therefore, it is contemplated that filling 601 can comprise any material that absorbs sound. It is also contemplated that filling 601 can act to reflect or diffuse sound waves.

Filling 601 can comprise any one or more commercially practicable solid or semi-solid materials. Contemplated fillings include foams, gels, silicones, rubbers, and other polymers. In a preferred embodiment, filling 601 comprises a foam, which can be an open- or closed-cell foam. In a “closed-cell foam,” the cells form discrete pockets, each completely surrounded by the solid material. In an “open-cell foam,” the pockets are not discrete, they connect with each other. In another embodiment, filling 601 comprises a gel, which is a solid, jelly-like material that exhibits no flow when in the steady-state.

Different cells within support structure 106 can contain the same or different filling materials. For example, in FIG. 6C, the filling in cell 610 could comprise foam, and the filling in cell 620 could comprise gel. Further, it is contemplated that filling 106 could be of varying densities. Different filling material combinations, when disposed within the cells, provide different levels of noise absorption that can be measured in decibels, and with respect to the type of sounds produced when a paddle makes contact with a pickleball. Different filling combinations also aid in the absorption of force of the overall support structure and filling combination, such that the use of pickleball paddles with different filling materials produce different desired effects on a pickleball.

It is further contemplated that the support structure 106 and filling 601 could comprise the same material or different materials. For example, support structure 106 and filling 601 could both comprise a polymer. Alternatively, support structure 106 could comprise aluminum, and filling 601 could comprise a foam.

The inventive subject matter also provides a method for manufacturing game paddles, whether or not they have noise dampening structures and fillings. In a preferred embodiment, a manufacturer builds a version of a game paddle without a filling, and subsequently builds another version of, or modifies, the same or similar paddle with a filling. Contemplated methods for manufacture or modification include injecting, spraying, pouring, dipping, painting, and other commercially practicable ways of applying the filling.

The inventive subject matter further provides methods for developing an improved game paddle with altered sound emissions. In a preferred embodiment, it is determined that an existing game paddle has undesirable peak amplitudes and frequencies of sounds during a test play, then an improved game paddle is designed with a sound absorbing filling. “Undesirable peak amplitudes” is defined by a listener as a sound that is too loud (i.e., high amplitude), a sound that is too high pitched (i.e., high frequency), or any other objectionable sound. This determination is conducted during a test game play, which is any event in which the game paddle is used to strike a ball. This can include, but is not limited to, hitting a ball with a game paddle for the sole purpose of determining the amplitude and frequencies of the sounds emitted, playing a game or practicing game techniques not for the sole purpose of determining the amplitude and frequencies of the sounds emitted, and any other circumstance under which a game paddle is used to hit a ball. The improved game paddle preferably reduces peak sound amplitude for at least one frequency relative to the test game play by at least 1 dB, at least 5 dB, at least 10 db, and more preferably by at least 20 dB. Contemplated paddles include paddles having a blade that encloses a support structure around at least a portion of which is disposed the sound-absorbing filling.

Thus, specific compositions of game paddles and methods for manufacturing game paddles have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

1. A game paddle, comprising: a blade having opposing first and second surfaces bounded by an edge; a support structure providing at least first and second wall portions disposed intermediate to the first and second surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the support structure is distanced by at least 2 cm from a closest section of the edge; and a filling disposed between the first and second surfaces, and also between the first wall portion and at least one of (a) the second wall portion and (b) the edge.
 2. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the opposing first and second surfaces are mutually parallel over at least 90% of their surfaces.
 3. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the core of the support structure comprises at least first, second, and third adjoining cells.
 4. The game paddle of claim 3, wherein the first, second, and third adjoining cells are hexagonal.
 5. The game paddle of claim 3, wherein the filling occupies at least 50% of the first cell.
 6. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the support structure does not define any adjoining cells.
 7. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the filling comprises a foam.
 8. The foam of claim 7, wherein the foam comprises an open-cell formation.
 9. The foam of claim 7, wherein the foam comprises a closed-cell formation.
 10. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the filling comprises a gel.
 11. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the filling comprises a silicone.
 12. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the filling comprises a polymer.
 13. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the filling comprises different first and second materials.
 14. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein at least some portion of the support structure has a thickness between 0.25 cm and 5 cm.
 15. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein the first and second wall portions are mutually orthogonal.
 16. The game paddle of claim 1, wherein first surface has an area of between 740 cm² and 840 cm².
 17. A method of manufacturing game paddles, comprising: directing manufacturing of a first type of game paddle having a blade that encloses an adjoined cell support structure, without inclusion of an additional sound-absorbing material; directing manufacturing of a second type of game paddle having a blade that includes at least some of the sound-absorbing material.
 18. A method of developing an improved game paddle having altered sound emissions, comprising: determining that an existing game paddle has undesirable peak amplitudes and frequencies of sounds emitted during a test game play; and designing the improved game paddle with a sound-absorbing filling, such that the improved game paddle emits at least 5 dB reduced peak sound amplitude for at least one frequency relative to the test game play.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the improved game paddle has a blade that encloses a support structure around at least a portion of which is disposed the sound-absorbing filling.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the improved game paddle emits at least 20 dB reduced peak sound amplitude for at least one frequency relative to the test game play. 